As Zhan came down from the second floor, he ran into Dr. Jing, who was stepping out of his office with some files. Spotting him, Dr. Jing hurried over.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked.
Zhan nodded faintly. "I'm better now."
"Where are you going?"
"The driver is waiting for me outside."
"Did he tell you to go home?"
Zhan nodded again.
"Alright. Take care of yourself," Dr. Jing said sincerely.
"Thank you," Zhan replied softly.
They walked downstairs together. Zhan picked up his handbag, bid farewell to Nurse Hannah, and left the hospital.
When he arrived home, Lan Yi was in the sitting room on a call with Aunt Marquis. She glanced at the clock, ended the call, then turned to him with surprise.
"You're home so early," she remarked.
Zhan glanced at the clock-it was only two in the afternoon. "I wasn't feeling well."
Lan Yi immediately rushed to him, placing her hand on his forehead. "What happened? Since when?"
"I had an attack this morning at the hospital," Zhan admitted quietly.
Lan Yi, worried, guided him to the sofa. "How did it happen?"
"There must have been dust around. I didn't realize it until it was too late. But I'm fine now. They gave me medication, and after some rest, I recovered."
Lan Yi sighed in relief. "Still, you need to be careful. Whenever you're in a place that might be dusty, wear a mask, alright? Don't go around without it."
"Yes, Mama," Zhan said gently.
"Let me get you something to eat."
She went to the kitchen. Zhan leaned his head back against the sofa, closing his eyes. After a while, Lan Yi's phone began ringing on the table. He looked at the caller ID, hesitated, then picked it up.
"Hello," he answered softly.
"Are you okay?" came Yibo's voice on the other end.
Zhan smiled faintly. "Why do you ask?"
"I can hear it in your voice. Are you sick?"
"It was my asthma," Zhan admitted.
Yibo's tone sharpened with concern. "What? How did that happen?"
"I'm fine now," Zhan reassured him. "I feel much better. Gege, are you all ready? You know Friday is almost here."
"Of course. I'll be there. Don't worry."
"That's good."
"You took your medicine, right?" Yibo pressed.
"Yes, at the hospital."
"Good. Please, be careful. Always keep your mask with you."
"I will, Gege."
"And Mama?" Yibo asked.
"She's in the kitchen."
"Alright, I'll call her later. You, get some rest."
Zhan lowered his voice. "Bye."
- - - -
The next morning, Wednesday, Dr. Jing was in his office finishing with a patient when the MD walked in. Dr. Jing looked up as the man sat down heavily.
"I just spoke with the CEO," the MD began sourly. "She wants to meet that boy. Can you imagine? Over a simple asthma attack yesterday, he took advantage and skipped work today. Who does that? If I say something, you'll tell me I'm not being considerate."
Dr. Jing replied calmly, "Then just tell her he's unwell."
The MD scowled. "And what should I say when she starts asking questions? Can you believe it...that boy hasn't even attended a standard workshop in Shanghai, yet the CEO is asking if he has an international passport. For what? I can't even explain to her properly how he got hired here, since the process wasn't exactly... standard. If we're not careful, she'll insist on sending him to the upcoming conference!"
Dr. Jing chuckled. "So that's what this is about-you're jealous again. Can't you see the CEO has taken a liking to him? She sees potential. Honestly, Zhan is a lovely, talented young man. You're the only one refusing to admit it."
The MD scoffed. "And how does that affect me? That's not my concern. Anyway, she told me to find out if he has a passport and give her an answer immediately."
Dr. Jing just stared at him in disbelief.
"So," the MD continued, "in a few minutes, I'll call her and tell her he doesn't have one."
Dr. Jing pulled out his phone and dialed Zhan's number, putting it on speaker. The MD stood watching, ready to storm out, but curiosity made him stay.
When Zhan picked up, his voice was calm, gentle, almost too composed.
Dr. Jing asked, "How are you feeling now?"
"I'm better," Zhan replied.
"Why didn't you come to work today?"
There was a short pause, then Zhan answered in a low voice, "I'm still recovering. And honestly, I don't like being scolded over nothing."
Dr. Jing burst out laughing. The MD clenched his jaw, listening as Zhan went on.
"Your MD is always looking for faults where there aren't any. He never gets tired of lecturing. If he put half that energy into his medical field, it would be more useful. At least I only got confused once while preparing an injection for a child. But him? A whole asthmatic patient collapsed in front of him, and he couldn't even act. He just kept pacing around like a nervous student. I almost thought he was a quack. Even as a nurse, I wouldn't behave like that."
Dr. Jing quickly removed the call from hands-free, laughing out loud. MD just stared at the phone without blinking. When he saw Dr. Jing cut it off from hands-free, he grabbed it back and switched it on again.
Zhan said firmly, "It's not funny at all. I've been wondering since yesterday when I got home-honestly, even a fourth-year medical student wouldn't have acted the way he did."
Dr. Jing chuckled. "So basically, you're saying you know more about medical practice than him?"
Without hesitation, Zhan replied, "At least I have more composure in my work. Maybe because I don't shout and nag."
Still laughing, Dr. Jing said, "Alright then, I'll call you later."
"Ohk," Zhan answered.
MD kept staring at the phone in his hand. Since Dr. Jing didn't end the call, Zhan finally hung up himself. MD dropped the phone back on the table and said curtly, "Call him again and make sure he brings his international passport tomorrow."
Dr. Jing frowned. "But you said..."
MD cut him off. "Those are the CEO's instructions. Just do as I've said." He left the office.
Dr. Jing could only laugh to himself, secretly pleased by Zhan's words that MD had overheard. Even yesterday, when Dr. Balogun told him what happened, he had been shocked. MD, who usually remained calm even when treating patients on the verge of death, had completely lost his composure over Zhan's simple asthma attack-fumbling like a learner. Unless MD had some hidden feelings for Zhan, what else could explain that reaction?
He picked up the phone and called Zhan again. Once Zhan answered, Dr. Jing asked, "Do you have an international passport?"
Zhan hesitated, then said, "Yes."
"Bring it with you tomorrow."
Confused, Zhan asked, "Why?"
"Because the CEO said so," Dr. Jing replied.
Zhan was left puzzled. What could they possibly want with his passport? Dr. Jing said goodbye and ended the call.
The next day, when Zhan arrived at the hospital, MD still hadn't shown up even by noon. In the morning, Zhan had already handed his passport to Dr. Jing. Around two o'clock, he joined Dr. Balogun and Dr. Jing in the operating theatre. As he was putting on his nose mask and sterilized gloves, he turned and unexpectedly met eyes with MD, who had just entered. Zhan quickly looked away, realizing only then that they would be working together. MD clearly wasn't pleased.
Usually, Zhan's role in the theatre was to pass sterilized instruments and assist with sutures. But whenever their hands met, things went wrong. The first time their eyes met, the instrument slipped from MD's hands. A nurse rushed to bring another. It happened again, then again-four times in total.
Every time, it was MD's hands fumbling, not Zhan's. Yet Zhan stayed calm and professional. Finally, Dr. Jing came over quietly and said to Zhan, "Maybe you're tired. You should go. Nurse Sadeeya will take over."
Zhan looked at him, thinking privately, It's not me who's tired-it's your MD. Everyone can see he's the one contaminating the instruments, not me. Still, he left quietly. At six o'clock, his driver came to take him home.
***
On Friday evening, Yibo arrived from Beijing by flight. Zhan was overjoyed to see him and went with the driver to the airport to welcome him. After greeting Lan Yi, Yibo followed Zhan into a room off the sitting room. Zhan frowned in worry and said, "Gege, you've lost weight. What's going on?"
Yibo sighed. "It's work, of course. Soon you'll see for yourself once you get deeper into your job."
Zhan wasn't convinced and pressed him until Yibo admitted he was under heavy stress. Meanwhile, Min had been sitting alone in the sitting room for more than twenty minutes. Lan Yi, who was finishing up in the kitchen, came out and noticed her still waiting. Shaking her head, she went to the room where Zhan had taken Yibo.
Lan Yi was unsettled too, seeing how worn Yibo looked. "You should move to the chalet. It's already open and ready. You can't leave her sitting alone like that-she should rest as well. Baby will bring food shortly."
Yibo seemed to have completely forgotten about Min. A few minutes later, he left the room.
Fifteen minutes later, Zhan brought their food over to the chalet. Yibo was in the bedroom, while Min sat in the sitting room, watching him as he placed the food down before leaving again.
- - - -
Lan Yi later sat in her sitting room with Yibo and Hai Kuan, who was busy with his phone. Anxiously, she said, "Honestly, I'm not at ease with all this. How can Zhan, who barely started working, suddenly be chosen for a conference abroad in England? What about the senior doctors and nurses in this hospital? It doesn't make sense."
Yibo exhaled deeply. "What do you think, Barrister?" he asked Hai Kuan.
Hai Kuan finally looked up. "It's strange, no doubt. Someone who hasn't even worked two full weeks being considered for such a trip? Normally only experienced staff would be selected."
Yibo nodded. "Exactly. I was surprised too."
Lan Yi, still troubled, said, "I think he should quit. And besides, that woman isn't even Chinese. It would be safer for him to find another place and leave this hospital."
Yibo only smiled faintly.
Lan Yi added, "When your father comes home tonight, I'll tell him. This job is giving me no peace of mind at all."
Hai Kuan got up and left the sitting room. Lan Yi also rose, saying, "I'm expecting a guest... let me check if the house help done with the errands I sent her on."
"Ok," Yibo said, watching her leave. Then he got up and walked toward Zhan's room.
Around three o'clock, Min's mother, Liuchu, arrived at the house. From the moment she stepped in, Min couldn't relax-she just sat in the sitting room forcing a smile. Lan Yi welcomed Liuchu warmly and they exchanged pleasantries. Zhan brought out the meal prepared for her.
Liuchu said, "I just thought I should at least stop by quickly before heading back to Beijing. The Mansion is beautiful, may it always remain blessed, may it be filled with joy."
Lan Yi asked, "I thought you might stay overnight, Liuchu?"
Liuchu shook her head. "No, I'll go straight from here to the airport. We came for the wedding on Saturday, and I had planned to visit yesterday, but it didn't work out until now."
Lan Yi sighed. "Alright, but at least have something to eat."
Liuchu smiled faintly. "Thank you, but I already ate before coming."
Lan Yi said, "When you called me this morning, I thought we might have some important things to discuss."
At those words, Min's heart pounded heavily. Zhan, seated in the sitting room as well, glanced at her. Liuchu nodded. "The flight is late tonight, so we can talk now if you want. Hopefully all is well."
Lan Yi gave a small smile. "Actually... not everything is well."
Alarmed, Liuchu exclaimed, "What do you mean? Tell me."
Min rose, wanting to leave, but Lan Yi stopped her. "No, Min, sit back down." With her head lowered, Min returned to her seat.
Then Lan Yi explained everything to Liuchu-she hid nothing. When she finished, she said, "Some of these things you may already know, others perhaps not... but this is the truth of the situation."
Liuchu sat frozen, sweat forming on her face. After a long pause, she finally said, "Lan Yi, you've been so unfair to me. All this happened and no one told me. Even when she fought with her friend Shu, and my sister's caused trouble, no one thought to inform me. I truly had no idea. And now Min is about to disgrace me publicly? I thought she was living peacefully in her husband's home!"
Suddenly she broke into tears, stood up, and cried, "You've wronged me, Min. After everything I did to raise you properly, after all the effort I put into your upbringing-this is what I get?" In her fury, she slap Min several times, scolding her harshly.
Lan Yi quickly grabbed her arm. "Please, Liuchu, don't hit her. Calm down."
Breathing hard, Liuchu snapped, "If she wants to destroy her marriage, let her go live with another mother, not me! I endured everything in my husband's house until death parted us. No matter how hard life was, I never left. And Yibo-why should he keep swallowing this pain instead of making a solution for himself? He should simply remarry. If he divorces Min right now, I won't blame him. In fact, I would advise him to marry quickly, to ease his heart."
Lan Yi said gently, "That's already the plan. I won't hide it from you-he will be marrying soon."
Liuchu nodded firmly. "Good. That's for the best. May his marriage bring him happiness."
Min burst into loud sobs, hiding behind the chair. Liuchu grabbed her bag, turned to Lan Yi and said coldly, "Whatever decision you make about her, I won't oppose it. As far as I'm concerned, she's no longer my burden. I regret ever giving birth to her."
She stormed out toward the door. Lan Yi hurried after her, trying to calm her, but Liuchu only muttered she had to get to the airport, and left the house without looking back.
Min sat broken, crying bitterly. All she could hear echoing in her head were her mother's words: that Yibo should remarry soon-and Lan Yi confirming it would happen. That could only mean he would marry Zhan. Recently, Min had been dreaming repeatedly about Zhan marrying Yibo, and now it seemed inevitable. Wiping her tears, she forced a smile and walked toward the chalet.
Later that night, Yibo sat in Lan Yi's sitting room after listening to her. He said seriously, "But Mama, why did you say that to her mother? I wasn't even thinking of trying to reconcile with Min. You know I'm finished with her. There's no point in telling her mother all this-it only makes things worse."
Lan Yi replied, "No, Yibo, it was better that I told her the truth. You've already divorced Min, and we owe them no further explanation now. At least now her mother knows the situation. I didn't say you had to remain with Min, only that it was my duty to explain so they don't look down on us, thinking we acted unfairly."
***
Qiren was sitting in the sitting room with Lan Yi when he set down his drink, looked at her, and said,
"Just because Zhan was chosen to travel abroad, you want him to quit his job, Madam? This is a privilege for him. I see nothing wrong with the hospital selecting him among those attending the England conference."
Lan Yi responded softly, "I just don't feel comfortable. Of all the staff at the hospital, why him? He only started working recently, and they're already choosing him?"
Qiren turned to Yibo, who was sitting nearby watching them. "Can you hear your mother?"
Yibo smiled and said, "Besides, Mama, I doubt the conference will last more than two or three days."
Lan Yi pressed on, "Even if it's just for a single day, I still don't feel comfortable."
Qiren replied, "Then let Hai Kuan travel with him to England. Will that put your mind at ease?"
Yibo looked at his father in surprise, while Lan Yi fell silent. Qiren rose and said, "Let me get some rest." With that, he left the sitting room for his room.
Lan Yi turned to Yibo. "Is there any way we can contact the hospital and have his name removed from the travel list? Hai Kuan could go with him. But even if he went to England, he would only mind his own business leaving my baby alone and come back quietly when the trip ends."
Yibo shook his head. "Just let him go, Mama. Like Baba said, it's a privilege-not everyone gets this chance. Maybe the hospital CEO admires his calmness and dedication. Don't forget, he graduated with first class. Do you know what that means? That's rare. Besides, he won't be going alone-other staff were selected too. This is something we should be happy about."
Lan Yi let out a deep sigh. "Fine, since you put it that way."
That night, Zhan was in his room preparing for bed when Lan Yi walked in. She sat down on the edge of his bed and asked, "How's your headache?"
"It's been better since earlier, Mama," Zhan replied, then sighed. "It's the stress from work. Every day I leave early in the morning and don't come back until 6:30. The hospital is always crowded with patients. Even on breaks, there's no real rest."
Lan Yi said gently, "You'll get used to it, son."
Zhan shook his head. "It's been almost five weeks, and I still haven't adjusted. I don't think I ever will."
Lan Yi smiled faintly-he seemed to complain about work nearly every day. "So, when exactly is your trip? You said your visa is ready."
"I don't know yet," Zhan said. "But I think Dr Jing mentioned next week."
"Alright. By the way, is the food you cooked for your brother all finished?"
Zhan grinned. "Do you want some, Mama?"
"If there's any left."
"There's still a little. I'll bring it for you." He got out of bed and left the room, while Lan Yi watched him go. She had something she wanted to tell him but couldn't find the right words. She sighed, still thinking.
As Zhan went downstairs, he found Yibo in the sitting room watching TV. Since Yibo had returned from Beijing to Guangzhou nearly four weeks ago, he had hardly slept at the chalet before midnight. Most of the time, after work, he stayed in the main house, using his room there. Meals cooked in the household were usually sent by Lan Yi's maid to Min at the chalet. Sometimes Min came to the main sitting room, but often she stayed at the chalet alone.
"Gege, have you had your tea?" Zhan asked.
"Yes," Yibo answered.
Zhan went into the kitchen, served the leftover food he had cooked earlier, and brought it for Lan Yi. Yibo teased him, "Since when did you start eating like this, Baby?"
Zhan laughed. "It's for Mama, Gege."
"Good," Yibo said with a smile.
Zhan smiled back, then returned upstairs to deliver the food to Lan Yi. She accepted it and stood up, still unsure how to begin the conversation she had wanted to have. She decided to wait until after they returned from England.
~**~
The morning of their trip, Zhan remained in his room, not stepping out. Lan Yi even had breakfast sent up for him. It was Friday, and their flight to the UK was scheduled for the evening.
At around 3:00 p.m., someone knocked on his door. Zhan glanced at the clock before opening it. Yibo stood there in a white suit, looking sharp from head to toe. Zhan stared at him for a moment, then smiled shyly.
"Good afternoon, Gege."
"Afternoon, Baby," Yibo replied.
"You look like a groom," Zhan said, lowering his head a little. "I'm sure women were staring at you all along the way."
"A groom?" Yibo raised his brows.
"I'm serious-you look gorgeous," Zhan said with a small laugh.
Yibo didn't respond to that. "Is that why you've stayed in your room all day? Too busy being nervous about England to come to the sitting room?"
Zhan chuckled. "Gege, sometimes I wish I weren't going. I feel so tense."
"Why?" Yibo asked.
"I don't know," Zhan whispered, his eyes shimmering as though he might cry. "I just... don't understand why I feel this way."
Yibo dropped his gaze. "Come downstairs for lunch."
"Okay," Zhan said softly.
They went down together and shared a meal at the same plate. A little later, Min entered the sitting room. Both of them instinctively glanced at her once before turning away at the same time. She walked to the kitchen to drop off her warmer for dinner, then left the sitting room without acknowledging either of them.
After finishing the meal, Zhan sat with Yibo in the living room, chatting animatedly about the kinds of cases he had seen at the hospital. Yibo only listened quietly, thinking to himself that Zhan seemed to forget he too was a doctor.
Just then, Lan Yi came downstairs. Glancing at the clock, she said, "isn't your flight at five? And you're still sitting there."
Zhan's chest tightened-he hated being reminded of the trip. Yibo added, "Baby, that's true. Go and get ready early. It's better you wait for them than keep them waiting for you."
Zhan slowly got up and went upstairs. He showered, and when he came out, he noticed a gift box on the bed. Sitting down, he opened it carefully. What he saw inside left him stunned-a set of sleek devices, hospital stuffs with a small note tucked inside:
"To my baby brother, congratulations on starting your new job."
Yibo.
Zhan smiled warmly, feeling a renewed wave of affection for his older brother.
At that moment, Lan Yi entered the room. Looking at him, she asked, "Have you packed your clothes into the suitcase?"
Zhan shook his head.
"You always wait until the last minute," Lan Yi scolded gently. "Your flight is at five-by now you should already be at the airport."
Just then, Hai Kuan knocked and stepped inside. "Where's your phone? They've been calling you nonstop."
Zhan widened his eyes, suddenly remembering. He rushed to his pillow and pulled out his phone-three missed calls from Dr Jing. He glanced at Hai Kuan, who was giving him a pointed look.
Lan Yi handed him some clothes and said, "Here, wear these ones."
"They've been waiting outside for you," Hai Kuan added before leaving.
Lan Yi looked at her son, who stood frozen, unsure what to do. She started packing his clothes and essentials herself. When she reached Yibo's gift, she only smiled softly and placed it aside.
A few minutes later Yibo appeared at the doorway. "Baby, they're waiting for you outside. Hurry."
Zhan began dressing, while Lan Yi finished the suitcase. Yibo turned to her and said, "It's quite cold in the UK. He shouldn't forget his jackets."
Lan Yi told Zhan, "Your coats are in my room. Go get them quickly."
As Zhan left the room, Yibo followed, reminding him, "Don't forget your toiletries either and sanitary. Hopefully, by the time you're back..."
Zhan blinked, realizing he had almost forgotten. Ten minutes later, Yibo came downstairs carrying Zhan's suitcase, with Zhan trailing behind. Lan Yi walked them out to the compound, murmuring well-wishes for a safe trip. Though she said nothing more, it was clear how reluctant she felt about Zhan leaving.
Outside, a car was already parked. Dr Jing opened the trunk, and Yibo placed Zhan's suitcase inside.
"Gege, is Hai Kuan-ge joining us tomorrow?" Zhan asked softly.
Yibo nodded. "Yes, tomorrow."
Suddenly, Zhan threw his arms around his brother and whispered by his ear, "Gege, thank you for the wonderful gift. I really love it." Then he try to kiss Yibo's right cheek, but accidentally...his lips touched Yibo's side lips, they both pretended nothing really happen and Zhan added, "I'll miss you so much."
He quickly slid into the back seat, noticing someone already sitting in front.
Dr Jing exchanged a few words with Yibo before getting back into the car. Zhan waved at his brother with teary eyes as the vehicle reversed and pulled away from the compound.
Through the rearview mirror, Zhan's eyes met those of the MD. Zhan lowered his gaze and muttered, "Good evening."
Whether he responded or not, Zhan couldn't tell-there was no reply.
Dr Jing turned to him. "Where on earth did you keep your phone? Do you know what time your flight is?"
"I was getting ready," Zhan muttered.
Dr Jing shook his head. "You young ones-always wasting time."
Meanwhile, the MD leaned toward Dr Jing and said firmly, "Please take the fastest route. Missing a flight is too easy."
"We won't miss it," Dr Jing assured him. "We'll get there in time."
At the airport, the MD got out quickly. Dr Jing followed, carrying his hand luggage-a jacket and some textbooks-before pulling Zhan's suitcase out of the trunk as well. The MD was already heading inside, clearly unwilling to risk delays.
Zhan looked around anxiously, searching for the rest of the UK-bound team. Finally, he asked, "Where's everyone else?"
Dr Jing replied, "Two of the doctors are in Shanghai. They'll fly directly from there."
"What? No other nurse at all?" Zhan asked, eyes widening.
"None."
Zhan frowned, looking uneasy. Dr Jing chuckled but composed himself quickly.
"So it's just me and him on this flight?"
"Exactly. You'll meet the others when you arrive."
Zhan's heart sank. "I don't want to go with him."
Dr Jing laughed. "He's not a monster, Zhan. Look-we're already late. Let's hurry, please."
Zhan simply followed behind, his mind crowded with restless thoughts. All his travel documents were with the MD, and he hadn't relaxed until after the check-in was completed. Dr. Jing had said his farewells before they entered the departure lounge. Zhan avoided looking at him, afraid he might break into tears at any moment.
As soon as they entered the lounge, boarding began immediately. Zhan kept trailing the MD, but the man never once turned back to check whether he was keeping up. They boarded the plane in silence. Once the MD found his seat, he placed his hand luggage in the overhead compartment and sat down. Zhan, assuming the seat next to him was his, slid in quietly, stealing glances at him from time to time.
Two hours into the flight, drowsiness overtook Zhan. He struggled to keep his eyes open, refusing to touch the meal that was served. Eventually, sleep claimed him. He couldn't tell how long he'd slept-only the faint scent of cologne filling his nose stirred him awake. His eyes widened when he realized his head had been resting somewhere it shouldn't. Startled, he quickly glanced at the MD, who was calmly reading a book, seemingly unconcerned.
Embarrassed, Zhan straightened in his seat, adjusting his posture like nothing had happened. The MD didn't spare him a glance, lost in his reading. From then on, Zhan refused to let himself drift into sleep again, staying awake until they landed in the UK.
When the plane touched down, the MD unbuckled his belt, retrieved his luggage, and slipped into his jacket. Zhan watched him quietly, then hurried after him. The moment they stepped outside the aircraft, icy air hit Zhan like a wall. It was freezing-he felt like he had walked into a freezer. He had never been good with the cold, and within minutes he was shivering so hard his teeth nearly chattered.
At the baggage claim, the MD ignored him completely, scrolling on his phone while waiting. Zhan lingered nearby, holding onto his case. When his suitcase finally arrived, he grabbed it, but before he could even zip it open to pull out his own jacket, the MD had already moved on.
Zhan hurried after him, determined not to lose sight of him, his whole body trembling. Outside, he spotted the MD standing a short distance away, phone pressed to his ear, speaking to the CEO. She told him to bring Zhan straight to her home. The MD seemed surprised-none of her other staff, not even colleagues based in the UK, knew her residence. He confirmed twice to be sure before replying quietly, "Alright, Ma'am."
He booked a cab, and by now it was close to 11 p.m. Zhan dragged his suitcase toward the car, still freezing despite the jacket the MD had draped over his shoulders a few moments earlier. They rode in silence. By the time they arrived at the CEO's mansion, Zhan was shivering so badly he could barely step out of the car.
The CEO opened the door herself. She frowned at the MD. "Why aren't you wearing a jacket, Shen Yi?" she asked, then caught sight of Zhan. Her expression softened immediately. "Come in, my dear."
The warmth of the living room enveloped Zhan as he stepped inside, breathing in the faint fragrance that lingered in the air. The MD followed with his box and hand luggage. Seeing how badly Zhan was shaking, the CEO went to a side room and returned with a thick duvet, wrapping it around him.
Then she turned to the MD. "Go make yourself a cup of coffee, Shen Yi."
He shook his head slightly. "Ma'am, I'll have some when I get home..."
She gestured to Zhan's suitcase. "This is his, right?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied.
She carried it into a guest room herself and returned. When he made his goodbyes, she stopped him. "Wait, let me get you my car key. Bring it back tomorrow."
He bowed his head. "Yes, Ma'am."
She handed him her car key along with a fresh jacket. He accepted them both gratefully, thanked her, and left.
Meanwhile, the CEO headed to the kitchen to make hot chocolate for Zhan. Zhan sat curled up on the sofa, wrapped in the soft duvet she had given him. The faint cologne from the MD's jacket still clung to him, filling his senses as he buried his face deeper into the warmth.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛